In the air, skiplane flight characteristics are similar to
those of airplanes with standard landing gear, except
for a slight reduction in cruising speed and range.
Leaving the skis in the extended position in flight produces
no adverse effect on trim, but may cause a slight
loss of speed. Consult the operator’s manual for
skiplane performance data, and weight and center of
gravity considerations.

The AFM/POH skiplane supplement may provide limitations
including limiting airspeeds for operation with
skis in flight and for other wheel/ski configurations.
These speeds may be different from the wheel-type
landing gear configuration, depending on the type of
ski and the tension of the springs or bungees holding
the fronts of the skis up.

Understand both the limitations and advantages of the
ski equipment. Compared to the standard wheel
equipped airplane that incorporates individual brakes
for steering, skis are clumsy and the airplane is less
maneuverable while on the ground. Like a floatplane,
a skiplane has a tendency to weathervane with the
wind and needs considerable space to maneuver.
Maneuvering on the ground and parking require special
techniques which are acquired only through
practice.

TYPES OF SNOW

Powder Snow—Dry snow in which the water
content and ambient temperature are low.

Wet Snow—Contains high moisture and is
associated with warmer temperatures near the
freezing point.

Granular Snow—Wet snow that has had a
temperature drop causing the snow to ball up
and/or crust.

TYPES OF ICE

Glaze Ice—Snow that has been packed down and
frozen to a solid ice pack, or frozen snow.

Glare Ice—A smooth sheet of ice that is exceedingly
slippery with no deformities, cracks, or
other irregularities in the surface. This ice lacks
any kind of traction, with a coefficient of friction
near zero.

Clear Ice—Ice that forms smoothly over a surface
and has a transparent appearance.